Seat positioning systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A seat positioning system and method for an internal cabin of a vehicle includes a seat track, and a keying assembly that provides expanded openings in relation to the seat track. The expanded openings are arranged in a pattern for proper positioning of a seat assembly. The expanded openings are configured to receive securing studs of the seat assembly.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to seatpositioning systems and methods, and more particularly, to seatpositioning systems and methods that allow for efficient and reliablepositioning of seats within an internal cabin of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Commercial aircraft typically include an internal cabin that may bedivided into numerous sections. A cockpit is generally separated from apassenger cabin, which may include a first class section, a businessclass section, an economy section, and the like. Each section within apassenger cabin may have a different spacing or pitch between rows ofseats. For example, a first class section typically has a greater pitchbetween rows of seats as compared to an economy section.

As a commercial aircraft is being manufactured, passenger seats aresecured within an internal cabin. Because a commercial aircraft mayinclude different sections having different pitches between rows ofseats, the process of positioning and securing seats at definedpositions within an internal cabin is time and labor intensive. Forexample, in order to position a seat at a desired location within aninternal cabin, an individual typically first measures a distance from aparticular location to the define location for the seat.

Additionally, after the aircraft is manufactured and is in service,between flights of the aircraft, an operator may decide to reconfigurecertain seating areas to adjust the pitch between certain rows of seats.For example, an operator may decide to change a row of an economysection into an economy plus section, or vice versa. The pitch betweenrows of the economy section may differ from the pitch between rows ofthe economy plus section. When the seats are reconfigured, care it takento ensure that the seats are located at proper positions. Also, whenseats are relocated, various other structures and components (such asfloor mounted stowage, class dividing panels, closets, and the like) areadjusted to accommodate the relocation.

As noted, the process of properly positioning seats within an internalcabin is time and labor intensive. If one or more seats are positionedat even slightly different positions than preferred, defined locations,one or more sections within a commercial aircraft may be affected, inthat spacing between different certain rows may not be as intended.Further, there is a relatively short time until a subsequent flight,there may not be sufficient time to adjust the seats to new positions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for an efficient system and method for ensuring that seatsare properly located within an internal cabin of a vehicle. Further, aneed exists for a system and method that allow for quick and efficientadjustment of seats within an internal cabin.

With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosureprovide a seat positioning system for an internal cabin of a vehicle.The seat positioning system includes a seat track, and a keying assemblythat provides expanded openings in relation to the seat track. Theexpanded openings are arranged in a pattern for proper positioning of aseat assembly. The expanded openings are configured to receive securingstuds of the seat assembly.

The pattern is associated with an arrangement of the securing studs ofthe seat assembly. In at least one embodiment, the expanded openings arein a non-uniform distribution over a length of the seat track.

In at least one embodiment, the keying assembly is integrally formedwith the seat track. In at least one embodiment, a first expandedopening is separated from a second expanded opening by a constrictedarea of the seat track, wherein the constricted area is devoid of theexpanded openings.

In at least one embodiment, the keying assembly includes one or moreblocking inserts positioned within blocked expanded openings. Theblocking insert(s) may include a base that seats within a track channelof the seat track, and a blocking stud coupled to the base. The blockingstud includes a head that extends into or above one of the blockedexpanded openings. The blocking insert(s) may also include one or moreblocking fins extending from the head. The blocking fin(s) fit intoopenings between opposed retaining arms of the seat track and extendinto at least one of the blocked expanded openings.

In at least one embodiment, the keying assembly includes a cover trackcoupled to at least a portion of the seat track. The cover trackarranges the expanded openings in the pattern for proper positioning ofthe seat assembly. The cover track may extend above a plane of a topsurface of the seat track.

In at least one embodiment, the keying assembly includes one or moreblocking inserts positioned within blocked expanded openings, and acover track coupled to at least a portion of the seat track.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a seat positioningmethod for an internal cabin of a vehicle that include includesproviding expanded openings in relation to a seat track with a keyingassembly. The forming includes arranging the expanded openings in apattern for proper positioning of a seat assembly. The method alsoincludes receiving securing studs of the seat assembly within theexpanded openings.

The providing includes associating the pattern with an arrangement ofthe securing studs of the seat assembly. In at least one embodiment, theproviding includes arranging the expanded openings in a non-uniformdistribution over a length of the seat track.

In at least one embodiment, the providing includes integrally formingthe keying assembly with the seat track. The providing may includeseparating a first expanded opening from a second expanded opening by aconstricted area of the seat track, wherein the constricted area isdevoid of the expanded openings.

In at least one embodiment, the providing includes positioning one ormore blocking inserts within blocked expanded openings. The positioningincludes seating a base of the blocking insert(s) within a track channelof the seat track, and extending a head coupled to the base into orabove one of the blocked expanded openings.

In at least one embodiment, the providing includes coupling a covertrack including the keying assembly to at least a portion of the seattrack. The providing may include extending the cover track above a planeof a top surface of the seat track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin of an aircraft,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin of an aircraft,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a seat assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of a seat track securedbetween floor panels, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of a securing stud within a track channelof a seat track, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a seat positioningsystem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective top view of the seat positioning systemincluding a seat track having a keying assembly, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective top view of a blocking insert,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective top view of a blocking insert,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the seat positioning system includinga keying assembly including blocking inserts within expanded openings ofa seat track, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective top view of the seat positioningsystem including a keying assembly including a cover track mounted ontop of a seat track, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of the seat positioning system includingthe keying assembly including the cover track mounted on top of the seattrack.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of a seat positioning method for aninternal cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recitedin the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should beunderstood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements orsteps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to beinterpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments thatalso incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitlystated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an elementor a plurality of elements having a particular property may includeadditional elements not having that property.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide seat positioningsystems and methods that include a keying assembly that ensures that aseating assembly is properly positioned within an internal cabin. Thekeying assembly provides a pattern of expanded openings that receivesecuring studs of the seating assembly. The pattern is associated withthe arrangement of securing studs of the seating assembly and ensuresthat the seating assembly is positioned at a desired location within theinternal cabin.

A typical seat track includes discrete expanded openings regularly anduniformly spaced along a length of the seat track. For example, theexpanded openings are spaced in one inch increments along a length ofthe seat track.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a keying assembly havingexpanded openings in a non-uniform distribution over a length of a seattrack. In at least one embodiment, the expanded openings are provided ina seat track at locations where seats are regulatory authority certifiedto be secured. The keying assembly may be used within specific zones ofan internal cabin that provide areas of no seating and/or areas withdifferent pitches between rows of seats.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a vehicle, such as anaircraft 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theaircraft 10 includes a propulsion system 12 that may include twoturbofan engines 14, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system 12may include more engines 14 than shown. The engines 14 are carried bywings 16 of the aircraft 10. In other embodiments, the engines 14 may becarried by a fuselage 18 and/or an empennage 20. The empennage 20 mayalso support horizontal stabilizers 22 and a vertical stabilizer 24.

The fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 defines an internal cabin, which maybe defined by interior sidewall panels that connect to a ceiling and afloor. The internal cabin may include a cockpit, one or more worksections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, andthe like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class,business class, and economy sections), and an aft section in which anaft rest area assembly may be positioned. Overhead stowage binassemblies may be positioned throughout the internal cabin.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles,buses, locomotives and train cars, seacraft, spacecraft, and the like.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin 30 of anaircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theinternal cabin 30 may be within a fuselage 32 of the aircraft. Forexample, one or more fuselage walls may define an interior of theinternal cabin 30. The interior of the internal cabin 30 is defined bysidewall panels that connect to a ceiling and a floor. The sidewallpanels include lateral segments that connect to ceiling segments. Thelateral segments define lateral wall portions, while the ceilingsegments define at least portions of the ceiling within the internalcabin 30.

The internal cabin 30 includes multiple sections, including a frontsection 33, a first class section 34, a business class section 36, afront galley station 38, an expanded economy or coach section 40, astandard economy or coach section 42, and an aft section 44, which mayinclude multiple lavatories and galley stations. It is to be understoodthat the internal cabin 30 may include more or less sections than shown.For example, the internal cabin 30 may not include a first classsection, and may include more or less galley stations than shown. Eachof the sections may be separated by a cabin transition area 46.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the internal cabin 30 includes two aisles 50 and 52that lead to the aft section 44. Optionally, the internal cabin 30 mayhave less or more aisles than shown. For example, the internal cabin 30may include a single aisle that extends through the center of theinternal cabin 30 that leads to the aft section 44.

Seat assemblies 100 are positioned throughout the internal cabin 30. Theseat assemblies 100 may be arranged in rows 101.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin 80 of anaircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theinternal cabin 80 may be within a fuselage 81 of the aircraft. Forexample, one or more fuselage walls may define the interior of theinternal cabin 80. The internal cabin 80 includes multiple sections,including a main cabin 82 having passenger seat assemblies 100, and anaft section 85 behind the main cabin 82. It is to be understood that theinternal cabin 80 may include more or less sections than shown.

The internal cabin 80 may include a single aisle 84 that leads to theaft section 85. The single aisle 84 may extend through the center of theinternal cabin 80 that leads to the aft section 85. For example, thesingle aisle 84 may be coaxially aligned with a central longitudinalplane of the internal cabin 80.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a seat assembly 100, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. The seat assembly 100 isconfigured to be secured within an internal cabin of a vehicle, such asa commercial aircraft.

The seat assembly 100 includes a base 130, which may include legs 132that may be secured to seat tracks 134 within a cabin of a vehicle. Thelegs 132 on a same side of the seat assembly 100 may be connectedtogether by a spanner bar 133. In at least one embodiment, securingstuds 136 (such as shear studs) downwardly extend from lower surfaces138 of the legs 132. The securing studs 136 are securely retained withinthe seat tracks 134. The seat tracks 134 are configured to securelycouple to the securing studs 136 to secure the seat assembly 100 inplace. The base 130 supports a seat cushion 106 and a backrest 108,which includes a headrest 110. Arm rests 140 may be pivotally secured tothe backrest 108.

The seat assembly 100 may be sized and shaped differently than shown inFIG. 3. The seat assembly 100 may include more or less components thanshown in FIG. 3. It is to be understood that the seat assembly 100 shownin FIG. 3 is merely one example of a seat assembly that may be disposedwithin an internal cabin of a vehicle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of the seat track 134 securedbetween floor panels 170, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The seat track 134 includes a base 174 and lateral walls 176extending upwardly from the base 174. A retaining lip 178 inwardlyextends from a top end of each lateral wall 176, such as at a ninetydegree angle. The retaining lips 178 cooperate to form a series ofexpanded openings 180 and retaining arms 182 over a track channel 184.The expanded openings 180 and retaining arms 182 alternate over a lengthof the seat track 134. That is, two expanded openings 180 are separatedby a retaining arm 182.

The floor panels 170 include upper planar support surfaces 186 oppositefrom lower surfaces 188. The upper planar surface surfaces 186 connectto the lower surfaces 188 at edges, such as interior edges 190.

FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of a securing stud 136 within a trackchannel 184 of a seat track 134, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the securing studs 136 ofthe seat assembly 100 may have a circular cross section and a width 135that is less than a width 137 of the expanded openings 180. The width135 is greater than a width 137 of the opening between opposed retainingarms 182. As such, when the securing studs 136 are positioned directlybeneath the retaining arms 182, the securing studs 136 are locked inposition, such that they are unable to eject through the opening betweenthe retaining arms 182, thereby securely coupling the seat assembly 100to the seat track 134. In contrast, when the securing studs 136 areshifted into the track channel 184 below or into the expanded openings180, the securing studs 136, and therefore the legs 132 of the seatassembly 100, may be lifted out of the seat track 134.

In order to adjust the seat assembly 100 to a different longitudinalposition, a lock fitting 213 (such as a bolt or other such fastener) ismanipulated to unlock the legs 132. For example, the lock fitting 213may be loosened such that a distal end no longer engages a portion ofthe seat track 134. Optionally, the seat assembly 100 may not includelock fittings.

After the lock fitting 213 disengages from the seat track 134, the seatassembly 100 may be longitudinally shifted in relation to the seat track134. The seat assembly 100 is shifted so that the securing studs 136 areno longer underneath the retaining arms 182, but are instead within theexpanded openings 180. After the securing studs 136 are in the expandedopenings 180, the seat assembly 100 may be removed from the seat track134, and/or moved to a different position on the seat track 134 via aseat adjustment system.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a seat positioningsystem 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theseat positioning system 200 includes a seat track 202, and a keyingassembly 206 that provides expanded openings 204 in relation to the seattrack 202. The expanded openings 204 are arranged in a pattern 208 forproper positioning of a seat assembly, such as the seat assembly 100shown in FIG. 3, at a desired location. The expanded openings 204 areconfigured to receive the securing studs 136 of the seat assembly 100.

In a least one embodiment, the keying assembly 206 is integrally formedwith the seat track 202. That is, the seat track 202 includes the keyingassembly 206. For example, the seat track 202 may be machined or moldedas a monolithic structure that includes the keying assembly 206. In atleast one other embodiment, the keying assembly 206 includes blockinginserts that are disposed within certain expanded openings of the seattrack 202 (or the seat track 134) that are blocked from use by theblocking inserts. In at least one other embodiment, the keying assembly206 includes a cover track positioned over a portion of the seat track202 (or the seat track 134). The cover track provides the pattern 208having the expanded openings 204. As such, a standard seat track may beretrofit with the blocking inserts or the cover track to provide thepattern 208 for proper positioning.

The pattern 208 is associated with the arrangement of securing studs 136of the seating assembly 100, and ensures that the seating assembly 100is positioned at a desired location within the internal cabin.

In at least one embodiment, the keying assembly 206 forms the pattern208 of the expanded openings 204 in a non-uniform distribution over alength of the seat track 202. In at least one embodiment, the expandedopenings 204 are provided in the seat track 202 at locations where seatsare regulatory authority certified to be secured. The keying assembly206 may be used within specific zones of an internal cabin that provideareas of no seating and/or areas with different pitches between rows ofseats.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective top view of the seat positioning system200 including the seat track 202 having the keying assembly 206,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The seat track 202includes the keying assembly 206. The keying assembly 206 is integrallyformed with the seat track 202 (as opposed to being separately mountedor secured to the seat track 202). That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the seattrack 202 including the keying assembly 206 is formed as a monolithicpart.

The keying assembly 206 forms the pattern 208 of expanded openings 204(examples of which are described with respect to the expanded openings180 of FIGS. 4 and 5). As shown, the expanded openings 204 are notuniformly and regularly spaced along an entire length of the seat track202. Instead, the keying assembly 206 includes a first group 210 ofexpanded openings 204 separated from a second group 212 of expandedopenings 204 by a constricted area 214 defined by elongated retainingarms 216 of the retaining lips 218. The first group 210 and the secondgroup 212 are separated by the constricted area, which extends over alength 220 that exceeds one inch. Additionally, the keying assemblyincludes another constricted area 222 that is devoid of expandedopenings. As such, the keying assembly 206 ensures that the seatingassembly 100 (such as shown in FIG. 3) is mountable only in relation tothe pattern 208, but not the constricted areas 214 and 212. In thismanner, the keying assembly 206 ensures proper positioning of theseating assembly 100 at specified positions, such as approved by aregulatory authority.

As shown, each group 210 and 212 includes three expanded openings 204.Optionally, the groups 210 and 212 may include less or more than threeexpanded openings 204, depending on the arrangement of securing studs136 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) of the seating assembly 100. Further, thekeying assembly 206 may include more or less than two groups. Forexample, the keying assembly 206 may provide a single group of expandedopenings. In at least one other embodiment, the keying assembly mayprovide three of more groups of expanded openings. In at least one otherembodiment, a single expanded opening may be separated from anotherexpanded opening or a group of expanded openings by a constricted area.That is, the keying assembly 206 may provide expanded openings that arenot necessarily in groups.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective top view of a blocking insert 240,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blockinginsert 240 includes a base 242 that receives and retains a blocking stud244. The base 242 is configured to seat within a track channel of a seattrack, such as the track channel 184 of the seat track 134, as shown inFIG. 4. The base 242 includes a retaining hole 246 that receives andretains a shaft 248 of the blocking stud 244. A head 250 connects to theshaft 248 and extends above the base 246. The head 250 is configured toextend into and/or above an expanded opening of the blocking insert 240to prevent a securing stud from being inserted into the blocked expandedopening.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective top view of a blocking insert 240,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blockinginsert 240 of FIG. 9 is similar to the blocking insert 240 of FIG. 8,except that blocking fins 260 and 262 extend outwardly from the head250. The blocking fins 260 and 262 are sized and shaped to fit intoopenings between opposed retaining arms of a seat track and extend intoexpanded openings. The blocking insert 240 may include less than twoblocking fins 260 and 262. Further, the blocking fins 260 and 262 may belonger or shorter than shown. In at least one embodiment, the topsurface 252 of the head 250 and the blocking fins 260 and 262 may beconfigured to extend above a top surface of the seat track 202 to offsetthe top surface of the seat track 202 from the seat assembly 100,thereby reducing a potential of the seat assembly 100 adversely engagingthe seat track 202. Further, the blocking fins 260 and 262 and/or head250 may be formed of, or coated with, a low friction material.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the seat positioning system 200including a keying assembly including blocking inserts 240 withinexpanded openings 204′ of a seat track 202, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. As shown, the blocking inserts 240 block theexpanded openings 204′, thereby preventing securing studs from beingpositioned therein. The expanded openings 204′ are blocked expandedopenings.

The keying assembly 206, via the blocking inserts 240, forms the pattern208 of expanded openings 204. As shown, the expanded openings 204 arenot uniformly and regularly spaced along an entire length of the seattrack 202. Instead, the keying assembly 206 via the blocking inserts 240forms a first group 270 of expanded openings 204 separated from a secondgroup 272 of expanded openings 204. As such, the keying assembly 206ensures that the seating assembly 100 (such as shown in FIG. 3) ismountable only in relation to the pattern 208, but not the blockedareas, as defined by the blocking inserts 240. In this manner, thekeying assembly 206 ensures proper positioning of the seating assembly100 at specified positions, such as approved by a regulatory authority.

A standard seat track 134 may be retrofit with the blocking inserts 240to provide the pattern 208 for proper positioning of a seating assembly.The keying assembly 206 may include more or less blocking inserts 240than shown, depending on the arrangement of securing studs 136 (shown inFIGS. 3 and 5) of the seating assembly 100.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective top view of the seat positioningsystem 200 including a keying assembly 206 including a cover track 280mounted on top of a seat track 202, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates an end view of the seatpositioning system 200 including the keying assembly 206 including thecover track 280 mounted on top of the seat track 202.

The cover track 280 is positioned over a portion of the seat track 202.The cover track 280 provides the pattern 208 having the expandedopenings 204. As such, a standard seat track may be retrofit with thecover track 280 to provide the pattern 208 for proper positioning of aseating assembly.

The cover track 280 may be secured to the seat track 202 through one ormore fasteners, adhesives, and or the like. The cover track 280 ispositioned above a plane of a top surface 282 of the seat track 202,thereby providing a discernable location at which to mount a seatingassembly. That is, the cover track 280 provides a heightened area thatis readily visible. The cover track 280 provides groups of expandedopenings, as described above with respect to FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 8-12, in at least one embodiment, the keying assembly206 includes the cover track 280 mounted to the seat track 202, as wellas at least one blocking insert 240.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of a seat positioning method for aninternal cabin of a vehicle. The seat positioning method includesproviding, at 300, expanded openings in relation to a seat track with akeying assembly. The forming includes arranging the expanded openings ina pattern for proper positioning of a seat assembly. The method alsoincludes receiving, at 302, securing studs of the seat assembly withinthe expanded openings.

In at least one embodiment, after the expanded openings are provided,portions of the seat track may be blocked, such as certain expandedopenings, by blocking inserts, expanded length lips, and/or the like.Further, prior to receiving the securing studs, a seat assembly may beadjusted to a desired position. The seat assembly may be quickly andefficiently moved to a desired location without the need formeasurement, due to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The providing includes associating the pattern with an arrangement ofthe securing studs of the seat assembly. In at least one embodiment, theproviding includes arranging the expanded openings in a non-uniformdistribution over a length of the seat track.

In at least one embodiment, the providing includes integrally formingthe keying assembly with the seat track. The providing may includeseparating a first expanded opening from a second expanded opening by aconstricted area of the seat track, wherein the constricted area isdevoid of the expanded openings.

In at least one embodiment, the providing includes positioning one ormore blocking inserts within blocked expanded openings. The positioningincludes seating a base of the blocking insert(s) within a track channelof the seat track, and extending a head coupled to the base into orabove one of the blocked expanded openings.

In at least one embodiment, the providing includes coupling a covertrack including the keying assembly to at least a portion of the seattrack. The providing may include extending the cover track above a planeof a top surface of the seat track.

As explained herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide anefficient systems and methods for identifying proper locations for seatswithin an internal cabin of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of thepresent disclosure provide systems and methods that allow for quick andefficient adjustment of seats (and other such components, such as floormounted stowage, class dividing panels, closets, and the like) within aninternal cabin.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower,mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used todescribe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood thatsuch terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in thedrawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwisechanged, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa,horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configuredto” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed,constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task oroperation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an objectthat is merely capable of being modified to perform the task oroperation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as usedherein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the variousembodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. Whilethe dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended todefine the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, theembodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Manyother embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments ofthe disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,”and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended toimpose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitationsof the following claims are not written in means-plus-function formatand are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f),unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “meansfor” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the variousembodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also toenable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodimentsof the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems andperforming any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the variousembodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may includeother examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such otherexamples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theexamples have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

1. A seat positioning system for an internal cabin of a vehicle, theseat positioning system comprising: a seat track; and a keying assemblythat provides expanded openings in relation to the seat track, whereinthe expanded openings are arranged in a pattern for proper positioningof a seat assembly, wherein the expanded openings are configured toreceive securing studs of the seat assembly, and wherein the expandedopenings are in a non-uniform distribution over a length of the seattrack.
 2. The seat positioning system of claim 1, wherein the pattern isassociated with an arrangement of the securing studs of the seatassembly.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The seat positioning system of claim 1,wherein the keying assembly is integrally formed with the seat track. 5.The seat positioning system of claim 4, wherein a first expanded openingis separated from a second expanded opening by a constricted area of theseat track, wherein the constricted area is devoid of the expandedopenings.
 6. The seat positioning system of claim 1, wherein the keyingassembly includes one or more blocking inserts positioned within blockedexpanded openings.
 7. The seat positioning system of claim 6, whereinthe one or more blocking inserts comprises: a base that seats within atrack channel of the seat track; and a blocking stud coupled to thebase, wherein the blocking stud includes a head that extends into orabove one of the blocked expanded openings.
 8. The seat positioningsystem of claim 7, wherein the one or more blocking inserts furthercomprises one or more blocking fins extending from the head, wherein theone or more blocking fins fit into openings between opposed retainingarms of the seat track and extend into at least one of the blockedexpanded openings.
 9. The seat positioning system of claim 7, whereinthe one or more blocking inserts extend above a plane of a top surfaceof the seat track.
 10. The seat positioning system of claim 1, whereinthe keying assembly includes a cover track coupled to at least a portionof the seat track.
 11. The seat positioning system of claim 10, whereinthe cover track arranges the expanded openings in the pattern for properpositioning of the seat assembly.
 12. The seat positioning system ofclaim 10, wherein the cover track extends above a plane of a top surfaceof the seat track.
 13. The seat positioning system of claim 1, whereinthe keying assembly comprises: one or more blocking inserts positionedwithin blocked expanded openings; and a cover track coupled to at leasta portion of the seat track.
 14. A seat positioning method for aninternal cabin of a vehicle, the seat positioning method comprising:providing expanded openings in relation to a seat track with a keyingassembly, wherein the providing includes arranging the expanded openingsin a pattern for proper positioning of a seat assembly, wherein theproviding comprises associating the pattern with an arrangement of thesecuring studs of the seat assembly, and wherein the providing comprisesarranging the expanded openings in a non-uniform distribution over alength of the seat track; and receiving securing studs of the seatassembly within the expanded openings.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The seatpositioning method of claim 14, wherein the providing further comprisesintegrally forming the keying assembly with the seat track.
 17. The seatpositioning method of claim 16, wherein the providing further comprisesseparating a first expanded opening from a second expanded opening by aconstricted area of the seat track, wherein the constricted area isdevoid of the expanded openings.
 18. The seat positioning method ofclaim 14, wherein the providing further comprises positioning one ormore blocking inserts within blocked expanded openings.
 19. The seatpositioning method of claim 18, wherein the positioning comprises:seating a base of the one or more blocking inserts within a trackchannel of the seat track; and extending a head coupled to the base intoor above one of the blocked expanded openings.
 20. The seat positioningmethod of claim 14, wherein the providing further comprises: coupling acover track including the keying assembly to at least a portion of theseat track; and extending the cover track above a plane of a top surfaceof the seat track.
 21. The seat positioning system of claim 1, whereinthe expanded openings are provided at locations where seat assembliesare regulatory authority certified to be secured.
 22. The seatpositioning method of claim 14, wherein the providing further comprisesproviding the expanded openings at locations where seat assemblies areregulatory authority certified to be secured.